Google TV Finally Goes On Sale In Australia

Google TV is a tough product to come by in Australia. We stood on our tiptoes looking over the proverbial gadget fence at our US counterparts wondering when we’d get a turn. Now though, after much bundling and exclusive product periods, the Google TV from Sony is now available to purchase in Australia. How much is it and where can you get it?

You’re able to pick up the Google TV from Sony for $299 from Sony Centres and online right now. From 1 October, though, Harvey Norman will also carry the unit.

The unit boasts the ability to turn any TV into a smart TV. It certainly does that, but like we mentioned in our review, it’s a device best for people with an amplifier. That way you won’t have to use it as a separate input.

The Google TV from Sony was previously only available as a bundle with select Sony TVs. We’re checking to see if that bundle offer is still valid.

Yeah but the draw card for me is that the Android sticks/boxes etc run vanilla Android (Generally GB or ICS). This runs the Google TV version of the OS. Some apps are laid out differently on GTV vs Android.

An example close to my interests:
Plex on Android is designed with a touch UI, with little relish.
Plex on Google TV is designed with a 10ft user experience UI, similar to their Laika client.

I got one with my new Bravia, and let me tell you - it's pretty crappy. I was going to connect it up to my old Sony LCD TV to stream video, but guess what - no DLNA streaming! If all you want it a reasonable browser for the TV, then you may like it for the touchpad remote - but that's probably about it. Also, the Sony bundle offer expired after 2/9/12.